Earlier this month I was pleased to participate in the Samaritans ARAFMI Wellness Walk.

Mission Australiaand The Black Dog Institute have recently published a report entitled:Can We Talk? Seven Year Youth Mental Health Report 2012-2018, The report revealsan increase in psychological distress amongst young people aged 15-19.Almost 15 per cent of 18-19 year olds cited a lack of knowledge about services and available help as a barrier to seeking help.

Since 2012, rates of psychological distress increased 5.5 per centfrom 18.7 per cent to 24.2 per cent, with young women twice as likely to experience mental health issues.



Nearly one third (32 per cent) of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW in 2018 experienced psychological distress increasing 7.6 per cent since 2012.



One in five young people suffering from psychological distress felt they didnt have someone they could turn to in a crisis.

I am grateful to Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute for highlighting these issues, and I agree with theirrecommendations including a greater focus on prevention and early intervention programs as well as better access to mental health services.

My colleague Tara Moriarty MLC, Shadow Minister for Mental Health has said in response to the report, "it is saddening to hear that the rates of mental health issues are increasing amongst young people across NSW and Australia.



Young people are vulnerable and under enormous amounts of stress and pressure, more must be done to focus on prevention and early intervention to avoid young people from reaching crisis point."